s i lv e r s e r v i c e rOUTe GUiDe

new yOrk

Palmetto rOcky mOUnT

savannah

new yOrk

flOrence

silver meteor charlesTOn savannah

Orl anDO

miami

silver star new yOrk raleiGh cOlUmbia savannah Orl anDO Tampa miami
We hope you enjoy reading this guide and learning about points of interest along our route. It is written starting from the northeastern terminus of the train in New York and proceeds to points south, ending in Tampa and Miami, depending upon route. If you boarded in Tampa or Miami, just read the guide in reverse, remembering to look in the opposite direction if referenced. AMTRAK STATIONS are shown in all capital letters, as opposed to upper and lower case for towns and geographical areas through which the train travels but does not stop. The Amtrak System Timetable or the Silver Service panel card should be consulted for actual station times. While all service presented in this guide was accurate at the time of publication, routes and services are subject to change. Please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL, visit Amtrak.com, or call your travel agent for the most current information.
Between the front door of Americas Eastern Seaboard, New Yorks Pennsylvania Station and Amtraks famous Northeast Corridor, and the equally well-known delights of Americas most cosmopolitan melting pot, Miami, lies the fabled American South and its living history. From twinkling Northeast cityscapes to the Souths dreamy landscapes and Civil War battlefields the Silver Meteor and Silver Star reveal Americas East Coast up close like no other mode of transportation. So prepare to be dazzled for 1,389 miles!

[Todays Silver Meteor is the lineal descendent of the train originally operated by the Seaboard Airline Railroad (SAL), which was placed in service in 1939. The Silver Star was inaugurated in 1947 to replace the former Advance Silver Meteor. SAL merged with the Atlantic Coast Railroad to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad in 1967. Amtrak continued to operate the trains when it officially took over passenger operations in 1971.]

welcOme abOarD
Welcome aboard the Silver Meteor, Silver Star, or Palmetto, a lush journey from Americas largest city through exciting Northeast Corridor cityscapes, the Deep Souths Civil War history, and on to the magical and exciting sights and sounds of Floridas beaches, cities and family attractions. On board, you will witness scenery not accessible by other modes of transportation while experiencing the unique comfort and relaxation of rail travel. We are happy to have you on board today and we want to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be. If there is anything that can be done to make your trip more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to call on any Amtrak employee.

The Train Staff The staffs of the Silver Meteor, Silver Star and Palmetto are here to make your trip a special and
enjoyable experience.

Conductor is responsible for the entire On-Board Services staff as well as ticket collection,
the safety of passengers and the safe operation of the train.

Lead Service Attendant is responsible for the operation of the Dining car and Dining car
staff.

Lounge Car Attendant is responsible for the operation of the Caf/Lounge car. Sleeping Car Attendant is responsible for providing all service for passengers ticketed in
Sleeping car accommodations, including room preparation, luggage service and any assistance necessary to ensure a comfortable journey. He/she can also assist with meal reservations or arrange for your meal to be served in the privacy and comfort of your accommodation.

Coach Attendant is responsible for providing service for passengers ticketed in coach. This includes seat assignment, pillow service, luggage service and other assistance to ensure a comfortable journey. ACCOMMODATIONS Superliner Sleeping (except Palmetto) accommodations provide a range of private
rooms with amenities for day and night use. From roomettes to bedrooms featuring a private lavatory and shower, Sleeping car accommodations will suit any need and can be described in more detail by any member of the crew. Please ask to speak to the Conductor regarding the availability of rooms. Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge/ClubAcela are available in Chicago and Washington for Sleeping car service passengers.

Coach seating provides a wide reclining seat with leg rest, folding tray table and overhead reading light. Free pillows and at-seat meal service are also available. Dining (except Palmetto) service offers a wide range of full hot meals featuring regional cuisine prepared by Amtrak chefs with specialties unique to the Silver service trains. The Dining car provides the perfect venue to meet your fellow passengers and enjoy a delicious meal while the scenery glides by your window. Sleeping car accommodation charges include meals in the Dining car, while passengers ticketed in Coach may purchase Dining car meals at reasonable prices. Striking scenery and a great staff make dining on the Silver Star and Meteor a memorable experience. Lounge/Caf is the perfect location for scenic viewing and lighter fare. Large panoramic windows provide the perfect vantage point for sightseeing and making new friends. The Caf offers sandwiches, snacks and beverages. HOST RAILROADS are the freight and commuter railroads that Amtrak contracts with to operate Amtrak passenger trains. The Silver Meteor, Silver Star and Palmetto operate between
New York and Washington on Amtrak, between Washington, Savannah and West Palm Beach on CSX Transportation, between Washington and Selma on CSX Transportation, between Selma and Raleigh on Norfolk Southern, and West Palm Beach and Miami on Florida Department of Transportation lines.

Information contained in this route guide as well as described amenities and features are subject to change without notice. While gratuities are not required for services provided, it is an appreciated way to convey to an employee that he or she has made your trip more enjoyable.

Washington, DC

Silver Service Route Guide 2

New York
NY-NJ State Line Meadowlands Hudson River Tunnels

NEWARK, NJ
Metropark, NJ

Princeton Junction NJ-PA State Line

TRENTON, NJ
Schuylkill River

University of Pennsylvania Marcus Hook Delaware Memorial Bridge Newark The University of Delaware Susquehanna River

Philadelphia
Commodore Barry Bridge PA-DE State Line

WILMINGTON, DE
DE-MD State Line

NEW YORK is Americas most populous city. So famous are its districts that Wall Street, Broadway and Madison Avenue are universally recognized shorthand for the industries located there. It is a global city, with worldwide influence over commerce, finance, culture and entertainment and the arts. It is also an important center for international affairs, hosting the United Nations headquarters. Unique among U.S. cities for its extensive use of mass transit, the density and diversity of its population, its reputation as a city that never sleeps is due to its 24-hour subways and the constant bustling of traffic and pedestrians. Birthplace of numerous cultural movements, its metropolitan population surpassed 10 million in the early 1930s, making it the first megacity in human history. Amtrak offers connections to its entire system through Chicago from New York. New York/New Jersey State Line North River Tunnels Departing Manhattan, we enter a 2.5 mile tunnel under the Hudson River connecting Weehawken, New Jersey with Pennsylvania Station. The tubes (one in each direction) were completed in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad. New Jersey Meadowlands now visible is a large ecosystem of wetlands known for being the site of huge landfills and decades of environmental abuse. The Meadowlands Sports Complex here was built in 1976. Even today, the area contains many species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks, and is considered an important bird habitat. NEWARK is the largest city in New Jersey and a major container shipping port. It is most recently known as Renaissance City for efforts to revitalize its downtown. It is the third largest insurance center in the U.S. and home to Newark Museum with the best Tibetan arts collection in the world. Its New Jersey Devils hockey club came in 2007. Elizabeth is fourth largest city in the state. It was named one of Americas Greenest Cities by Popular Science magazine in 2008. Its first major industry was the Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1872. Baseball great Yogi Berra hails from Elizabeth. New Brunswick on the southern bank the Raritan River is known as Healthcare City, reflecting its concentration of medical facilities as well as the corporate offices and production facilities of several large pharmaceutical companies. Settled in 1681, it became an important hub for Colonial travelers and traders. Home of Rutgers University, its list of notable natives includes former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann and actor Michael Douglas. TRENTON is the capital of New Jersey and was the site in 1776 of George Washingtons first military victory after crossing the Delaware River. It was briefly capital of the United States in November and December of 1784. Watch for the bridge slogan that reads Trenton Makes, the World Takes -- a relic of its era as a major manufacturing center from the late 1800s through the 1950s. It is home to New Jersey State Prison with two maximum security units. Innovative comedian Ernie Kovacs, influenced deeply by his Trenton Central High School drama teacher, went on in turn to influence American comedy for decades after his 1962 death in an automobile accident. New Jersey/Pennsylvania State Line North Philadelphia is home to Temple University and birthplace of comedian Bill Cosby. Tastykake and Pep Boys are headquartered in its Allegheny West neighborhood. Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kull) is very popular with watersports enthusiasts and college rowing teams. Boat House Row is visible on the left after crossing the river, as is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the steps of which were used by Rocky to train for his big fight in the film of the same name.
Silver Service Route Guide 3

Baltimore
New Carrollton, MD MD-DC State Line

Washington, DC
The Monuments DC-VA State Line Potomac River

ALEXANDRIA, VA QUANTICO, VA FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Richmond
PETERSBURG, VA
VA-NC State Line

ROCKY MOUNT, VA WILSON, NC

SELMA, NC RALEIGH, NC CARY, NC SOUTHERN PINES, NC HAMLET, NC FLORENCE, SC CAMDEN, SC KINGSTREE, SC

Fayetteville
NC-SC State Line

DILLON, SC

COLUMBIA, SC

Charleston
YEMASSEE, SC
SC-GA State Line

DENMARK, SC

Savannah River

Savannah
JESUP, GA
GA-FL State Line

Jacksonville
PALATKA, FL DELAND, FL
Sanford

WINTER PARK, FL

Orlando
KISSIMMEE, FL LAKELAND, FL WINTER HAVEN, FL SEEBRING, FL OKEECHOBEE, FL WEST PALM BEACH, FL DELRAY BEACH, FL DEERFIELD BEACH, FL FT. LAUDERDALE, FL HOLLYWOOD, FL

Tampa

Silver Meteor/Palmetto Palmetto only Siver Star only

Miami

PHILADELPHIA Before we enter 30th Street Station, Center City can be seen on the left. City Hall Tower holds a statue of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, planner and developer of Philadelphia the City of Brotherly Love -- and a devout pacifist and Quaker. Home of the Liberty Bell, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Philadelphia was the social and geographical center of the original 13 American colonies, giving birth to the American Revolution. It also served as the nations second capital in 1774. Today, its metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the U.S. University of Pennsylvania is now visible behind the school stadium, Franklin Field. A member of the Ivy League, it serves 20,000 students with 4,500 professors as one of the most selective universities in the U.S. It offered the nations first modern liberal arts curriculum after a board of trustees was assembled by Benjamin Franklin in 1749. Commodore Barry Bridge spans the Delaware River between Bridgeport, N.J. and Chester, Pa. At 1,644 ft., it is the fourth longest cantilever bridge in the world. Marcus Hook calls itself the Cornerstone of Pennsylvania. Set alongside the Delaware River, it provided the setting for the 2005 film One Last Thing about a teen with a rare, terminal form of cancer who wished only for a date with a supermodel. Pennsylvania/Delaware State Line WILMINGTON experienced high growth in office construction and jobs in the 1980s after passage of laws liberalizing bank governance within the state. Many international banks have operations in the city, especially credit card operations. The historic train station was built in 1908 by the former Pennsylvania Railroad. Notables from Wilmington include actress Valerie Bertinelli, musician Cab Calloway and commentator Bill Press. Newark (pronounced NU-ARK) was founded in 1694. During the Revolutionary War, legend has it that the Stars and Stripes were first flown at the Battle of Coochs Bridge outside of Newark. Today, it is home to the University of Delaware, with world class programs in business, chemical engineering, chemistry and biochemistry. Its central area is compact, walkable and lively, due in large part to university students. Edgar Allan Poe is said to have written parts of The Raven while staying at the inn on Main Street. Delaware/Maryland State Line Elkton marks the head of navigation on the Elk River, which flows into nearby Chesapeake Bay. The town was once famous as a place for eloping couples to marry. Susquehanna River is the longest river on the east coast and provides half of the freshwater inflow for the Chesapeake. Geologically, it is regarded as extremely ancient. In 1979, it was the scene of the Three Mile Island nuclear power accident near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Aberdeen is home to the U.S. Armys Aberdeen Proving Ground, established by Congress in 1918. Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripkin, Jr. hails from Aberdeen. BALTIMORE is a major seaport founded in 1706 and the largest city in Maryland. Its Inner Harbor is a successful example at the citys ambitious renewal effort. It is named after Lord Baltimore, founding proprietor of the Maryland Colony. Francis Scott Key, a Maryland lawyer, wrote the Star Spangled Banner here, a recounting of the British attack on the harbor during the War of 1812. Baltimore exhibits examples of architecture from periods ranging over two centuries. Oriole Park at Camden Yards is considered to be the most beautiful retro style baseball park in the major leagues. One of Amtraks eight busiest stations, the city is home to author Tom Clancy and Olympian Michael Phelps.

New Carrollton is a suburban stop for Amtraks Northeast Corridor service, situated alongside the eastern terminus of the Washington Metrorails Orange Line. Lying just inside the famous Washington Capital Beltway, it is named for a delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll. Maryland/DC Border WASHINGTON, DC is the nations capital, founded in 1790. In addition to all three branches of the federal government, it houses 172 foreign embassies and the headquarters of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organization of American States, InterAmerican Development Bank, Pan American Health Organization, numerous trade unions, lobbying groups and professional associations. It is also home to many museums and monuments, and parks such as Rock Creek, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, National Mall, Theodore Roosevelt Island and Anacostia. Washington Union Station was opened in 1907. Designed by Daniel Burnham, it was restored in 1988 and is today one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, housing shops, restaurants, theaters, Washington Metro light rail and Amtrak. Its centennial was celebrated in 2008. Washington is one of only 13 cities in the U.S. with teams representing all four major sports; its Washington Redskins have won three professional league championships. Several notable universities, including Georgetown, American, George Washington and Catholic are in Washington. We depart the city from a tunnel under the Capitol, affording us a sweeping view of official Washington. Visible soon is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where all currency and postage stamps are produced. The Washington Monument dominates the skyline, and the Jefferson Memorial modeled after the third presidents home at Monticello can be seen astride the Tidal Basin, ringed by Japanese cherry trees. DC/Virginia Border Potomac River As we cross, the Pentagon is visible on the Virginia side and Arlington National Cemetery is just beyond. We now pass Crystal City, an office and hotel complex. The river, 383 miles long, forms a part of the borders between Maryland, Washington, Virginia and West Virginia. Known as The Nations River, it is rich in history and heritage. George Washington was born in, surveyed and spent most of his life within the Potomac Basin. Its watershed links coal miners in upstream West Virginia, urban residents in the District of Columbia and watermen in Virginias Northern Neck. ALEXANDRIA and its historic center, Old Town, is a mostly highincome suburb of Washington, largely populated by professionals working in federal civil service, the military, or for one of the private companies contracting to provide service to the federal government. Established in 1695, it was ceded in 1791 to the U.S. Government to form the District of Columbia, and retro ceded to Virginia in 1846 when the District of Columbia was reduced in size to exclude that portion south of the Potomac River. Market Square in Old Town is the oldest continuously operating marketplace in the U.S. RICHMOND is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The first permanent settlement within the present limits of the city was made in 1609. In 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous Give me Liberty or Give me Death speech in St. Johns Church; it was crucial for deciding Virginias participation in the first Continental Congress and for setting the course for revolution and independence. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were in attendance at this critical moment. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, the strategic location of the Tredegar Iron Works was a primary factor in the decision to locate the Confederate

Silver Service Route Guide 4

Capital in Richmond. (The first capital had been in Montgomery, Alabama.) Now, with a downtown revival including the beautiful Canal Walk, Richmond is home to nine Fortune 500 companies, including the now defunct retailer Circuit City which spun off used car retailer CarMax, a separate Fortune 500 company. Actors and siblings Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine hail from Richmond. PETERSBURG grew from a fort in 1645 to a city in 1748, becoming renowned as a commercial and railroad center. A substantial business community centered on tobacco, cotton, flour mills and banking. The 1865 Siege of Petersburg lasted 292 days, and its ending effectively preceded Robert E. Lees surrender and the conclusion of the Civil War. The extended network of fortified entrenchments around the city had established a warfare precedent that would be used extensively in Europe during World War I. More recently, the city has invested heavily in historic preservation of architecture, and has a large inventory of 18th, 19th and 20th century structures in its historic neighborhoods. Actor Joseph Cotton was born and raised in Petersburg. Virginia/North Carolina State Line ROCKY MOUNT was incorporated in 1867, but dates to 1816 when its first post office opened. Presently, it is an All-America City Award-winning community. Its Golden East Crossing mall is one of the biggest malls east of Raleigh. It is the overall sense of community here that sets Rocky Mount apart from other small cities. The current state governor, Mike Easley, hails from Rocky Mount. Former state Lieutenant Governor James Carson opened the citys first franchise Hardees restaurant in Rocky Mount ironically, on McDonald Street! The town is also home to the corporate headquarters of Boddie-Noell, which owns many Hardees franchises and all of the Texas Steakhouse restaurants. Actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead of Final Destination 3 and Live Free or Die Hard was born in Rocky Mount. WILSON (Palmetto only) was ranked first in North Carolina in 2006 for economic strength among micropolitan cities (of less than 50,000 in population). It has a large supply of water due to its expansion of Buckhorn Lake. Its Wilson Mall has just completed a major renovation. Wilson is also noted for its numerous and varied historic bungalows. A local singing group known as the OKaysions recorded a top ten hit in 1968 called Girl Watcher. It was later reworked into a tune called Im A Wheel Watcher to promote the TV show Wheel of Fortune. SELMA (Palmetto only) The impetus for the settlement that became Selma came from a plan of the General Assembly in 1848 to build a railroad. In 1866, Col. John Sharp came to the county seeking consignments of naval stores and cotton for his firm in Norfolk. Interested in locating a town at the rail station, he arranged the purchase of 50 acres of land, but had to have the station relocated. Once platted, a celebration of the public sale of lots via a gala barbeque and dance was held at the depot the actual birth of the town at which Sharp is said to have gained acceptance for the name of Selma, his original hometown in Alabama. Vicks ointment was concocted here in 1880 by chemistry buff Lunsford Richardson after purchasing a small drugstore owned by his brother-in-law, Joshua Vick. Route of the Silver Meteor and Palmetto In North Carolina FAYETTEVILLE is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army post northwest of the city. It was named in honor of General Lafayette, a French military hero who aided the Americans during the Revolutionary War. In June 1775, the Patriot Point Resolves were written here and predated the Declaration of Independence by one year. The city hosted the convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1789. Actress Julianne Moore was born at Fort Bragg. In recent years, new additions such as the

Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum and Linear Park have changed the face of the downtown area. In South Carolina DILLON (Palmetto only) gained prosperity when town fathers allowed the railroad to come through it. Its economy was based on tobacco and cotton production and sales. Today, outside of service industry and state employment, jobs are scarce; a Harbor Freight Tools distribution center has brought much needed economic activity. Current chair of the Federal Reserve Board Ben Bernanke grew up here and is a graduate of Dillon High School. He once worked as a waiter at South of the Border, a roadside attraction at the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. FLORENCE The President of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad (W&M) built his home at the junction of the W&M and the Northeastern and named the community Florence, after his daughter. During the Civil War, the town was an important supply and railroad repair center for the Confederacy. Florence grew into a major biomedical and financial center, also known for industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, paper, manufacturing and agricultural products. Antiques Roadshow host Mark Walberg hails from Florence. KINGSTREE was originally founded as Williamsburg, but a lone, unusually large white pine tree was found near the Black River. The kings mark was affixed to it as a claim, and it was never cut. The county kept the name Williamsburg, but the county seat became known as The Kings Tree. Notable natives include R&B artist Teddy Pendergrass. CHARLESTON By the late 1600s, Charleston was the southernmost point of English settlement. From its elegant architecture to the first American museum opened to the public in 1773, it fairly brims with the culturally unique. It has been recognized as the best-mannered city in the U.S. by a foremost etiquette expert. It boasts the only Livability Court in the U.S., focused on non-compliance with codes and standards on housing, waste, the environment, noise, animal control, zoning, traffic and tourism. Comedians Stephen Colbert and Andy Dick, model Lauren Hutton and singer Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish are all one-time residents of Charleston. Ft. Sumter is where the Civil War began. YEMASSEE is a small town rich in local history, previously inhabited by a Native American tribe of the same name. Toward the end of the Civil War, Shermans army came through the area on his famous march to the sea and used a local church as a Union Army hospital. Blood stains can be seen on the still-standing churchs floor. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Auld Brass Plantation house nearby. The Marine Corps used the railroad depot here as gateway to the Parris Island Recruit Training Depot for 50 years. The town hosts a shrimp festival annually on the second weekend of September. Route of the Silver Star In North Carolina RALEIGH was chosen as the capital of the state of North Carolina in 1788 and is known as the City of Oaks for its many oak trees. Along with Durham and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle metropolitan region, named for Research Triangle Park, which was founded in 1959. It is one of the oldest and largest science parks in North America, employing more than 42,000 knowledge workers at more than 170 companies and is the regions economic driver. The State Fair was established here in 1853. The city escaped significant damage during the Civil War but grew little in subsequent decades due to economic stagnation in the postwar reconstruction period. Wake County has the highest number of home-schooled children in the state. The North Carolina Museum of Art maintains one of the premier public art collections between Washington and Atlanta.
Silver Service Route Guide 5

CARY is situated in the heart of the Research Triangle region and is the fifth fastest growing city in the U.S. Begun in 1750 as a settlement, the coming of the railroad early placed it on a major transportation route. Cary adopted zoning and other ordinances to control expansion and give the city structure to accommodate the population growth related to Research Triangle Park. Today, some 68% of its adult residents hold an associate degree or higher. It boasts the most Ph.D.s per capita of all cities larger than 75,000 people, and one of the lowest crime rates. The largest employer is SAS Institute, the largest privately-held software company in the world. SOUTHERN PINES on the fringe of the Piedmont section of the state occupies an area known as the Sandhills. Incorporated in 1887, the towns population is composed of retirees, active duty military and working families. Its economy balances manufacturing, tourism, health services, education and retirement. Points of interest include the Shaw House, built in 1821 and home to the first generation Scottish settlers. HAMLET is a major junction of two major CSX rail lines. The Amtrak station sits at the junction of these lines, and the Hamlet yard is north of the downtown area. In 2007, The Voice of Hamlet, also known as the Hub of the CSX Stream, was begun to broadcast CSX radio traffic on the worldwide web. The late jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane hailed from Hamlet. In South Carolina CAMDEN is home to the third oldest active polo field in the U.S. It is also the county seat of Kershaw County, known as the Steeplechase Capital of the World for its many horse related activities. The Carolina Cup each spring is a South Carolina tradition and premier social sporting event, and unique because gambling on horse racing is prohibited by state law. Notable natives include soul singer Brook Benton and financier Bernard Baruch. The town took its name from Lord Camden, a 16th century English opponent of taxing the Colonists without representation. COLUMBIA is South Carolinas state capital and largest city. Founded in 1786, it was one of the first planned cities in the U.S. Its location at the confluence of two major rivers makes it a major destination for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. It is also known for being a choice retirement haven, having many cultural amenities, recreational choices and a mild climate. Its economy is well diversified, with major employers being state government, healthcare and the University of South Carolina. United Parcel Service operates its Southeastern Regional Hub at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. DENMARK was the site of the first transcontinental telephone call, made in 1915, from the building which now houses fine antiques in The Caroline Collection. It is also the hometown of Jim Harrison, specializing in early 20th century rural American scenes. His gallery is the culmination of a journey begun when he first climbed onto a painters scaffold alongside McCarthas Hardware to paint a Coca Cola sign. The town boasts a unique gift store at the Crestwood Golf Club, Voorhees College, Denmark Technical College, and the Mennonite bakery, purveyors of uncommonly delicious baked goods. South Carolina/Georgia State Line SAVANNAH is known as the Hostess City of the South, attracting millions with its Southern charm and hospitality, collection of 18th and 19th century architecture, and downtown area designated as a National Historic Landmark District. Its St. Patricks Day celebration is second largest in the U.S. behind New York City. Its layout was an elaborate plan by founders consisting of a series of wards built around central squares. Fortunately, the city was spared the burning that it could have suffered as famous Civil War Union General Sherman conducted his march to the sea. Instead, after capturing the city, he telegraphed

President Lincoln, I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the City of Savannah. Today, 24 of the original city squares remain. Numerous tours, both walking and vehicular, are conducted each day through this most interesting of destinations. Many people became familiar with Savannah through John Brandts novel and later film, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood. JESUP is believed to have been named for General Thomas Sidney Jesup who provided service during the Creek War of 1836. A number of sites here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Little Red Caboose, the Railroad Section House, the Carter House and the Wayne County Courthouse. Today, the largest employer in the area is Rayonier, Inc., an international forest products company. Folkston/Folkston Funnel With virtually all rail traffic headed to Florida passing through the town of Folkston, the rail lines through the city have acquired the nickname The Folkston Funnel. Some 60 trains a day pass through here heading into and out of Florida, which can draw ten times as many railfans as people who live in the city. To provide for safe and advantageous viewing, the town built a platform for visitors. Georgia/Florida State Line JACKSONVILLE is Americas largest physical city, with three times the area of New York City. Named in 1822 for Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and seventh president of the U.S., Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the U.S., with services at 337 locations on more than 80,000 acres. Its natural beauty is attributable in part to the St. Johns River, one of the few in the world to flow up from south to north, and the Jacksonville Beaches area on the Atlantic Ocean, the center of nightlife and recreation. In 2008, Jacksonville was rated the third cleanest city in the U.S. During the Gilded Age, it and nearby St. Augustine became popular winter resorts for the rich and famous. Here also is world headquarters of CSX Transportation, which owns a large building that is a significant part of the downtown skyline. PALATKA During the 1850s, the town gained a reputation as a haven for invalids escaping northern winters, arriving in large numbers by steamboat. Nearby is Daytona Beach, famous for college-age Spring Break vacations and NASCAR auto racing on the big oval. Pierson is the nations fern capital, growing much of the nations commercial crop. Its ferns are exported worldwide for use in floral arrangements and other decorations. DELAND is home to Stetson University, named for the famous hatmaker, and the Museum of Florida Art. Founded by baking soda magnate Henry DeLand, it was the first city in Florida to have electricity. It contains many fine examples of Mediterranean Revival Style architecture, a large number of which have been handsomely restored. WINTER PARK boasts the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art housing the largest collection of Tiffany glass on earth. The city also enjoys more park space per capital than any city in Florida, perhaps because it was the first centrally planned community in the state. Its scenic Old Winter Park area features winding brick streets and a canopy of live oak trees draped with Spanish Moss. The city draws thousands annually to its nationally known Sidewalk Art Festival and the Winter Park Concours dElegance classic automobile show. Comedian Scott Thompson better known as Carrot Top resides in Winter Park. ORLANDO is well known for its many tourist attractions, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Its Florida Mall is one of the largest single-story malls in
Silver Service Route Guide 6

the U.S. More than 48 million visitors are attracted to the region annually. Culturally, Orlando offers the Orlando Museum of Art, Science Center, Orange County Regional History Center and Arboretum of the University of Central Florida. It is also home to a substantial theatre population. Aside from tourism, its economy is also supported by a huge convention business and firms such as Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics, and Westinghouse. Its Embry-Riddle University specializes in aeronautical training. Darden Restaurants, parent company of Red Lobster and Olive Garden, is the largest restaurant operator in the world by revenue. Notable athletes including Shaquille ONeal and Tiger Woods call Orlando home. KISSIMMEE was founded in the mid 19th century as Allendale. The State of Florida had contracted with one Hamilton Disston in 1881 to drain its southern swampland, in return for which he would be deeded half of all land successfully so drained. The deal made him the largest landowner in the U.S. Although criticized at the time, it triggered the states first land boom and the establishment of numerous towns and cities. Disston based his operation out of the then-small town; a steamboat industry and shipyard soon sprang up to support the transportation of people and goods in furtherance of the enterprise and the newly dredged waterway to service it. After railroads challenged the steamships, cattle and citrus packing became paramount until tourism took over after the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971. Backstreet Boys singer A. J. McLean hails from Kissimmee. Route of the Star LAKELAND was settled in the 1870s and benefited from the Florida boom by the construction of many significant structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After the boom went bust, conditions did not improve until the arrival of the Detroit Tigers in 1934 for spring training, an arrangement that continues to this day. In 1938, renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright came to design a great educational temple for Florida Southern College. It is the largest one-site collection of his buildings in the world. The towns Southgate Shopping Mall was featured in the hit movie Edward Scissorhands. Publix Supermarkets is headquartered here; the first Red Lobster restaurant was opened in Lakeland but has since closed. TAMPA is also known as Tampa Bay, a four-county area with three million residents. The word is thought to mean sticks of fire in the language of a Native American tribe that once lived here, a reference to the many lightening strikes the area receives each summer. Significant growth did not occur until 1883, when phosphate was discovered in the region, vital for fertilizers and other products. The railroad soon followed, along with cigar production in what is now Ybor City. The population grew an astonishing 668% between 1880 and 1890. The city grew further as a result of World War II when MacDill Field served as a main base for air operations. Bayshore Boulevard has a six-mile continuous sidewalk on the eastern end, the longest in the world. Tampa is home to numerous tourist attractions, including Busch Gardens Africa, Adventure Island and Florida Aquarium. Gasparilla, the Mardi Gras of Tampa, is a mock pirate invasion festival held on the last Saturday of January. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL, established in 1976, brought the area is first major sports championship with the winning of Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. The Port of Tampa is the states busiest in terms of throughput tonnage; several cruise ship lines also make use of the port. Wrestler Hulk Hogan, actress Brittany Snow, singer Ray Charles, and Ferdie The Fight Doctor Pacheco, former cornerman for Muhammad Ali, all hail from Tampa. Tampa Union Station is located in an historic building between downtown and Ybor City. Here the train reverses direction en route to Miami or New York.

WINTER HAVEN is perhaps best known as the home of Cypress Gardens, Floridas first theme park, which has undergone recent renovations to add thrill rides. Called The Chain of Lakes City due to its numerous fresh water lakes within city limits, it hosts a number of ski schools. Its name is a reference to its lack of cold weather. Country musician Gram Parsons grew up here. SEBRING is the home of Sebring International Raceway, created on a former airbase, and host of the 12 Hours of Sebring. This annual American Le Mans Series race is held in March at Sebring Regional Airport. Several of the towns streets are named after automobile manufacturers or their models, such as Porsche Avenue, Corvette Avenue and Thunderbird Road. The town was founded in 1912 and named after George Sebring, a pottery manufacturer from Ohio. OKECHOOBEE is the seat of the county of the same name and host of the Speckled Perch Festival held annually in honor of its lakes most famous fish. The first recorded Category 5 hurricane in the North Atlantic hit Okeechobee in 1928. Routes Combined WEST PALM BEACH is the oldest incorporated municipality in South Florida. The city was founded by Henry Flagler, also the founder of the Florida East Coast Railway. Companies like Pratt & Whitney, IBM and RCA helped put the city on the map in the 1960s. Today, West Palm is growing and the skyline is constantly changing. It boasts numerous historic neighborhoods and communities. Its Norton Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibits that run the circuit of world class museums. The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts provides a venue for world class performances in theater, dance, opera and music. SunFest is a music, art and waterfront festival founded in 1982. The National Horse Show is Americas oldest, a major fixture on national and international sports and social calendars. The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction at the South Florida Expo Center set a record selling Howard Hughes personal 1953 Buick Roadmaster for $1.62 million. Clematis by Night, an outdoor event held on the street of the same name with live music and food, has been called the hottest street in Florida. A long list of notable residents includes comedian Larry the Cable Guy and actor Tommy Lee Jones. DELRAY BEACH takes its name from a Detroit neighborhood of the same name, which means of the king in Spanish. The Florida East Coast Railway had reached town in 1896; by 1911, pineapple and tomato canning plants had been built. The Florida land boom of the 1920s brought prosperity, and tourism soon became an important industry. Recent years have seen a large-scale renovation of the downtown area. One major factor has been the Delray Beach Tennis Center, host to international events such as the Fed Cup, Davis Cup and Pro Celebrity. Todays downtown area is a cultural and residential hub offering a multitude of upscale restaurants, retail establishments, nightclubs and galleries. The city is also known for its substance abuse recovery community and the numerous halfway houses dedicated to this effort. DEERFIELD BEACH post office opened in 1898 to serve a population of 20 settlers. The name refers to the numerous deer that grazed along the Hillsboro River. The town incorporated in 1925 and boasted 1,300 residents. Primarily an agricultural community until the late 1940s, tourists began to discover its scenic oceanfront after World War II. By the 1950s, the economy became diversified to include distribution, manufacturing and office industries. It hosts the Womens Professional Volleyball Tour and the Superboat Power Race. FT. LAUDERDALE, the Venice of America, is known for its expansive and intricate canal system. A popular tourist destination, it hosts a major yachting center, more than 4,100 restaurants and some
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120 nightclubs. It takes its name from Major William Lauderdale, commander of a detachment of soldiers who built the first of a series of forts in 1838 prior to the Second Seminole War. It was not until the railroad reached the area in 1896 that organized development began. When World War II began, the town became a major U.S. base; after the war, service members returned to the area, spurring a population explosion greater than the land boom of the 1920s had brought. Once known as a spring break destination for students, it now attracts a more affluent tourist. Its International Boat Show is the worlds largest. The 1960 film Where the Boys Are was filmed at ground zero of the beach at the Elbo Room, Las Olas and A1A. Notable residents have included actor Kelsey Grammer, musician Marilyn Manson and the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendys. HOLLYWOOD Joseph Young arrived in South Florida in 1920 with a vision of his dream city characterized by sectioned districts a precursor to modern day zoning regulations. Unique to the plan was the incorporation of three large circles of land along his planned principal boulevard. During the Florida land boom of the 1920s up through the 1950s and 1960s, the population grew rapidly. Today, Port Everglades, the second busiest cruise port in the world, is partially within its municipal boundaries. Its Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is one of Americas top ten nostalgic promenades, according to USA Today. Also counted among local attractions are greyhound racing, horseracing and Jai-Alai the worlds fastest ballgame.

MIAMI is the largest city in Florida and seventh largest metro area in the U.S. It is considered a global city for its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts and international trade. It also houses the highest concentration of international banks in the U.S. Miami holds the distinction of being the only major city in the country founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, a local citrus grower and native of Cleveland. After a great freeze further north in 1894 hastened the citys growth, she convinced Henry Flagler to expand his Florida East Coast Railroad to the region. Miami was incorporated in 1896 with a population of 300. It is the only major city in the U.S. bordered by two national parks Everglades on the west and Biscayne on the east. Its true tropical climate has never recorded an average monthly temperature under 64 degrees. Its one recorded snowfall occurred in 1977. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is the second largest such center after Lincoln Center in New York. It is also a top modeling locale, home to many models and agencies and host to numerous events and shows. Considered a hot spot for dance music, it burst onto the popular music scene in a big way when Cubanoriented Gloria Estefan and her Miami Sound Machine had huge hits in the 1980s. Miami has hosted the Super Bowl nine times, tying New Orleans for the record. Housing the National Hurricane Center and the headquarters of the United States Southern Command, it is also an industrial center for stone quarrying and warehousing.

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